“I tell anybody that I will talk to that I’m just one of the workers here. I may have a big title, but I’m just a worker. I try to treat the employees the way I want to be treated because all my life I was an employee. ” – A.D. Ellis
MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Former Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief A.D. Ellis passed away on Monday, Sept. 14, at age 90, leaving behind a career dedicated to public service. Ellis spent over two decades in public service to the Nation, first serving on the National Council, then as second chief, and finally as principal chief. During his tenure, he oversaw many advancements in gaming, housing, historic preservation, and higher education.
Ellis was born on Friday, December 13, 1935, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 through 1961. When he returned home, he worked as a semi-truck driver and retired in 1988.
Beginning his Tribal political career in 1991, Ellis ran for a seat on the MCN National Council as an Okmulgee district representative. He served on the council from 1992 to 1999. He was elected second chief in 1999 and served in the position from 2000 to 2003.
Ellis was sworn in in January 2004. At the time, he was the first candidate to receive 51 percent of the vote during the primary election for principal chief. He served two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2012.
The Nation’s healthcare system expanded under the Ellis administration. It moved from a board-managed system to direct executive branch control. The Koweta Indian Health Clinic opened its doors to Tribal citizens on June 15, 2006.
During the Ellis administration, the Nation established the College of the Muscogee Nation. Ground broke on the campus on Nov. 10, 2009. Before the CMN campus was completed, classes were held at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. CMN now serves a student body of 249.
On Nov. 20, 2010, Ellis oversaw the $3.2 million purchase of the historic Council House in Okmulgee. The Council House had previously been owned by the City of Okmulgee since 1919.
One of the biggest advancements for the Nation under the Ellis administration was the opening of the RiverSpirit Casino Hotel, Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprise’s flagship location. The casino brought 600 new jobs to the Mvskoke Reservation.
In an interview with Mvskoke Media at the end of his second term, Ellis reflected on his two terms as principal chief. He discussed high points and low points, successful achievements, and projects he admitted he would have done differently in retrospect. The RiverSpirit Casino was one of those projects.
“Everything you do, you wish you could have done better,” Ellis said. “When Chief Beaver broke ground for the casino, nothing happened really. It took us seven years to build a two-year project.”
Ellis remarked that he was proud of his administration’s adherence to fiscal responsibility. He claimed the permanent fund had $175 million in it when he left office.
“I took care of the Tribal money the best I could. We’ve done a great job in taking care of the Tribal money. The permanent fund speaks for that.”
First Lady recalls A.D. Ellis’ administration
Former First Lady of the Nation Gail Ellis shared the highs and lows of her husband’s time in office. The couple married in 1996 and were married for nearly 30 years. She described the experience as a “blessing” and hopes citizens remember her husband as someone who was honest and devoted. She explained that his second term saw more challenges than his first.
Gail Ellis recalled how A.D. Ellis was the first second chief to be provided a Tribal vehicle. The MCN General Services Administration provided him with a red Ford Bronco. This allowed him to visit citizens and elders around the Nation.
“He’d tell me stories about visiting people and eating their beans and cornbread. Listening to their concerns and needs,” Gail Ellis said.
A.D. Ellis was known for eliminating department boards. Gail Ellis explained that he believed supervisors who worked with citizens daily understood their needs better than a board that met only once a month.
Among the programs and events sponsored by the Nation, Gail Ellis said that he was proud of the Johnson O’Malley Program and enjoyed watching students compete in the annual Muscogee (Creek) Nation Challenge Bowl.
According to Gail Ellis, one of the biggest challenges her husband faced in office was restructuring the Nation’s community casinos after receiving an order from the National Indian Gaming Commission. The commission alleged that the communities were misusing funds. This changed how gaming revenues were distributed. A.D. Ellis faced court cases over the decision and calls for impeachment.
“It was a really hard case for him to fight in our Supreme Court,” Gail Ellis said. “There were people that would come to the courtroom with ‘Impeach Ellis’ t-shirts on.”
“There were threats on his life. I know it upset the gaming communities, but he did that for the Nation.”
Gail Ellis said her husband enjoyed the outdoors, riding tractors, and gardening. Although Gail Ellis said he was naturally quiet, she was amazed by his public speaking abilities.
“It was exciting. Everything he did was exciting. Watching him give his first state of the nation address, and all those afterward. He just amazed me. He just went from this quiet man on the National Council to this person that amazed me how well he could speak in public,” Gail Ellis said.
Tribal Leaders share Principal Chief Ellis memories
A funeral service for Ellis was held on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Mvskoke Dome. The service was led by Second Chief Del Beaver. During opening remarks, Second Chief Beaver shared that the former leader left behind a remarkable legacy.
“Chief believed that leadership wasn’t about power, it was about people,” Second Chief Beaver said. “Few people get to leave behind the kind of mark that Chief Ellis leaves today. He left a better community, a stronger Nation, and thousands of lives touched forever.”
Principal Chief David Hill shared memories of talking to Ellis in his office. What stood out was his leadership style was his open-door policy: no appointment was necessary.
One memory that stood out for Principal Chief Hill was taking a photo with the former chiefs at the Council House. “That’s another memory no one can take from me, because I was honored to be there, to sit among the former chiefs. I was definitely honored to be there with Chief Ellis,” Principal Chief Hill said.
Lesah Deere-Yargee served as a legislative assistant to Ellis during his administration. During her remarks, she affirmed that the open-door policy was for everyone, employees and citizens alike. For Deere-Yargee, Ellis’ interactions with citizens shaped her views on the mindset Tribal leaders should have toward serving citizens.
“An elderly gentleman came into the office, obviously, he was upset. Chief Ellis took the time to visit with him. After the visit, he came to my office and said ‘Do you know that man? Well, he’s my boss. All Tribal citizens are your boss when you become chief,’” Deere-Yargee said.
Former MCN District Court Judge Patrick Moore shared his experiences working with and knowing Ellis. Moore said the college is one of the greatest services the Nation offers citizens today.
“I knew him to be a very fine person. I’m glad I had the distinct pleasure to know A.D. Ellis,” Moore said.
“The Nation is better off today because the college is here. The Muscogee Nation is much better today because of A.D. Ellis.”
National Council Speaker Randall Hicks said Ellis’ passing will be felt across the entire Nation and that his time as its principal chief will not be forgotten.
“His service will remain a part of our history and his contributions will be remembered by those who had the honor of knowing him and working alongside him,” Speaker Hicks said. “To the Ellis family, I want you to know that your loss is felt not only by your family, but the Muscogee Nation as well. We are grateful for the years he gave to our people. We will remember the mark he left on our Nation.”
To view the A.D. Ellis’ funeral service, go here.
